Uniqlo has moved into North America with agonizing slowness, having so far managed only three stores in the last 6 years—all in Manhattan. So we're almost wondering if something was lost in translation when a New York Times article earlier this week reported that the company plans to open 20 to 30 new stores a year over the next eight years. Equally important is the company's recognition that the Uniqlo experience is dependent on the scope of the selection—they make their classic men's sock in 50 colours, and dammit, shoppers want to see all 50 of them and stock the f**k up.

The article reports that Uniqlo is also working on an e-commerce site for the US market. "Working on?" What's the hurry, guys?